The World Food Summit held at FAO-Rome in November 1996 gave
priority to the development of urban and periurban production as well as
improvement of the efficiency of food supply and distribution systems and
linkages between production and consumption areas. The aim of the summit was to
facilitate access to food by low-income households and hence improve food
security in developing countries and countries in transition. The Habitat II
Conference in 1996 drew attention to high urbanization levels and the rapid
urban growth rates in developing countries and countries in transition and
stressed their direct relationship with urban poverty.

FAOs initiative for Food Supply and Distribution
to Cities addresses the relationship between urbanization, urban poverty
and food insecurity. It focuses on the impact of urbanization on the efficiency
of food supply and distribution activities and the need to stimulate private
sector initiatives and investment. The cost at which food is made available to
poor urban consumers is a key determinant of the level and stability of food
prices and is determined not only by private sector activities, but also by
public sector interventions, which are often carried out with weak technical and
managerial skills.

This initiative thus constitutes a major contribution to
follow-up and implementation of the action programme based on the commitments
made by FAO Member States at the World Food Summit.